'Man of Steel 2': Is Mark Strong the Next Lex Luthor? [UPDATED]

UPDATE: Additional speculation suggests that 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston may also be up for the role. Between these two actors, which would you rather see get the part?

As eagle-eyed fans the world over will tell you, 'Man of Steel' contained numerous references to LexCorp, the company run by iconic Superman villain Lex Luthor. Naturally, tongues started wagging and everyone immediately assumed that the bald baddie would play a major role in the inevitable sequel. And then the fantasy casting began.

Since he's a tremendous actor who excels at playing villains (and doesn't have any hair), Strong has always been a top choice for fans. However, this fan speculation officially has some ground to stand on since Digital Spy spoke with the 'Zero Dark Thirty' actor about the possibility of taking on the role. His cryptic response? "All I can say is ... watch this space."

Now, this could mean any number of things. It could mean that Mark Strong is being seriously considered for the role of Luthor and has met with director Zack Snyder, and that a deal is currently being made. It could mean that Strong wants the role and is making sure that the appropriate parties know this. It could also mean that Strong likes to screw with everyone and is just saying nonsense. However, we think options one and two seem a little more likely.

Fans of the DC universe will remember that Strong previously played the villainous Sinestro in 'Green Lantern,' but like everyone else involved in that project, Strong is probably ready to officially leave that in the dust. What better way to erase a villain in a bad superhero movie than to play a villain in what is surely going to be one of the biggest superhero movies of all time?

If Mark Strong is playing Luthor, he'll not only be joining Henry Cavill, but a new Batman (Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling are among those under consideration). Famous comic storylines in the past have seen Luthor teaming up with Batman villains to turn the two superheroes against each other, but since the Superman/Batman movie is technically a direct 'Man of Steel' follow-up, we doubt that any major Gotham City baddies will make an appearance.

The still-untitled Superman/Batman movie is aiming for a 2015 release. What do you think about Strong as Luthor?